Iran had a last-gasp goal overturned as they just missed out on grabbing second spot in Group G – but a first progression to the World Cup knockouts could still be achieved after their dramatic 1-1 draw with Egypt.
Shoja Khalilzadeh’s foot was spotted just ahead of play on the offside review after he had pounced on a rebound in injury time to spark wild celebrations in Seattle.
Iran were inches away from grabbing a famous win again on 97 minutes, when Saeid Ezatolahi headed against the bar from a corner.
For all the challenges this squad have battled on and off the pitch at this World Cup, it would have been an incredible story if they had snatched automatic progression to the last 32.
Instead, Egypt – down to 10 in the final minutes due to an injury – clung on to finish second in Group G, with Belgium claiming top spot thanks to a thumping 5-1 win over New Zealand. Egypt now face Australia in Dallas.
There were tears in the eyes of some Iranian players at the full-time whistle, as exhausted players, coaches and fans from both sides slumped down to digest the action which had unfolded.
But Iran are still likely to progress as one of the best third-placed sides – unless Algeria earn at least a point and DR Congo win in their final games.
A game which began at 100mph, with Mahmoud Saber profiting from errors from Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, and Ramin Rezaeian slamming in an equaliser soon after Mehdi Taremi’s penalty was saved, delivered right until the final kick. Yet there will be more twists to come for both Egypt and Iran at this World Cup.